IMITATE YOUR FATHER

September 12:2018

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.Ephesians 5:1-2 (NKJV)

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If you have ever seen a mimic during a performance, you will most likely be impressed and amazed at his/her ability to imitate other people’s voices or actions. In fact, one thing most comedians are very good at is the art of mimicking everyday life situations and people, although in a humorous manner.

Our opening scripture for today admonishes us to be imitators of God. The primary way to know who God is, so that you can imitate Him, is through His word. If you also want to live an effective Christian life, you must develop and maintain the healthy habit of studying and meditating on the Word, particularly the New Testament scriptures. This shows that you can know, understudy or imitate a person by observation. While on earth, Jesus only did what He saw His Father do. Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner (John 5:19).

If you study the Word, you will see how your Father thinks, how He talks, and how He behaves. For example, God calls those things that be not as though they are (Romans 4:17). God does so because He is a faith God and His words have creative ability. Likewise, as a born again child of God, your words also have creative ability because you have your Father’s nature and DNA.

The truth is that you are the only ‘God’ some people will ever get to see on earth, which means you have a responsibility to represent your Father in an appropriate manner. Any country’s ambassador that does not represent his home country in an appropriate manner on a consistent basis may have that office or platform taken away from him. Similarly, in our home country, Nigeria, any member of the National Assembly may be recalled if his constituents feel that they are poorly represented.

Beloved, make a decision today that you will represent and imitate your Father in the right manner. Be conscious of the fact that your attitude, words, actions and behaviour either bring glory to God’s name or bring a reproach. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven – Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)

Additional Scripture Reference(s): 2 Corinthians 5:20 Joshua 1:8

Prayer & Confession of Faith

I am born of God. I am who the Word says I am. I can do what God says I can do because I have my Father's nature, His Spirit and His ability. I am a good ambassador of God’s Kingdom and I bring glory to His name every single day of my life. Amen!

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Introduction

December is our season of celebration – of the victory that came to us through Jesus’s birth, death and resurrection.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:57

God loved us so much that He willingly gave us Jesus and through Him, we enjoy the victorious and abundant life on earth.

Jesus said “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies” (John 11:25) and He is ready to give this gift of eternal life, a life of victory over sin and death, to anyone who comes to Him in faith.

God’s redemption plan for us began to be manifested at the birth of Jesus and it is the reason we celebrate Him this season.

Beloved, victory is already yours in Christ. It is my desire that the articles in this devotional will go a long way in showing you what Jesus accomplished for you to enjoy this now and always. Just reach out in faith and accept them.

Be blessed as you read.

Much love,

Andy Osakwe

How To Use This Devotional

1

Read it in the morning before you get off to your daily activities. If for some reason you are unable to make the time to do so, then, be sure to read it during your break time or at night before your sleep.

2

Spend as much time as you can during your day meditating and praying about the topic for the day

3

It can be read privately or in a group setting. Private reading allows you to have personal quality time alone with God, while group reading allows for shared scriptural reading and insightful discussions.

4

If for any reason you find that you are behind schedule with the daily articles, then, I advise that you simply read two articles a day (including the present day's) until you catch up.

5

Read this devotional at a time of the day and in a place that allows you to have maximum concentration.